A Preliminary Evaluation of a Pedometer-Assessed Physical Activity Self-Monitoring Survey

This study is the preliminary evaluation of acceptability and feasibility of physical activity self-monitoring survey by pedometer. The authors recruited 375 people from a possible 1,200 who completed a randomized, population-based telephone survey administered in 2001 to individuals living in Sumter Co 3unty, South Carolina. Mailed kits included pedometer, instructions, a recording calendar, and a postage-paid return envelope. Participants wore the pedometer during waking hours and recorded day-end steps taken for seven days. Up to three telephone prompts were made to get participants to return data. Despite the limitations of initial recruitment, this study provides preliminary information on the acceptability and feasibility of a pedometer-assessed physical activity self-monitoring survey.